LAND Rover has revealed its updated Range Rover Velar, packing in the latest systems available from the British brand, and making its most frugal model even more of a fleet favourite.
Having already proved popular with SUV customers since its launch in 2017, a wide-reaching refresh is looking to continue its success into the next few years.
The sporty and stylish SUV competes with the likes of BMW’s X6, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Porsche’s Macan.
Comprehensively updated for 2023, the Range Rover Velar has focused on sharpening an already highly stylised design, and boosting equipment.
A new grille doesn’t mess with remains a stylish model, but brings the Velar closer in line with the newer Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. LED headlights are now fitted however, and there’s also a mildly-revised rear bumper. If it ain’t broke…
Range Rover’s next-generation 11.4-inch Pivo Pro infotainment system is fitted, with the curved glass display replacing the previous dual-screen set-up. It not only looks good, but is also intended to be easier to use as well, with frequently used shortcuts always visible, and greater use of sliding functions.
Wireless Apple CarPlay/AndroidAuto connectivity is fitted with the new Pivo Pro set-up, and wireless smartphone charging is available in the centre console.
One of Jaguar Land Rover’s big focuses in recent years has been in improving over-the-air updates. These will now be able to upgrade 80% of the Velar’s digital features, improving everything from the navigation and diagnostics to chassis controls and powertrain efficiency as time goes on.
Other equipment highlights include Active Road Noise Cancellation with the Meridian sound system, which senses external frequencies and plays anti-noise through the speakers in the same way noise cancelling headphones do.
It has dropped cabin noise levels by 4dB according to Land Rover, the equivalent of turning the volume down by four steps.
Four new leather colour ways have been introduced – Cloud, Caraway, Raven Blue, and Deep Garnet – as well as a leather-free cabin option using Kvadrat wool blends and recycled materials.
8% Company Car Taxation For Velar P400e
SME fleet managers and company car drivers will likely be most interested in the improved PHEV model, the Range Rover Velar P400e.
This has a 12% larger capacity battery, boosting electric-only driving range to 40 miles on a charge – a 20% increase thanks to the 19.2 kWh pack.
Powering a 105kW electric motor, this more than covers the average daily mileage of UK drivers, and also brings the Velar into a lower company car tax band of 8% BIK.
Charging is possible in just 30 minutes thanks to a CCS DC charging socket, or 2.5 hours from a typical home or workplace 7kW AC charge point.
As well as the 404hp P400e, there are also mild hybrid petrol and diesel engines. The 3.0 litre straight six petrol engine is available in either P340 or P400 guises – the number indicating the horsepower produced.
A 2.0 litre four cylinder petrol is also offered for P250 buyers, and diesel power is covered by a 2.0 litre four cylinder D200 unit, or 3.0 litre straight six D300 option.
Orders are now open for the new Range Rover Velar to lease, with OTR prices starting from £54,045.
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